What is Pykw Ransomware?
You do not want to find the “.pykw” extension added to your personal files’ names because that indicates that Pykw Ransomware has corrupted them. This malware can corrupt documents, media files, photos, and everything else that is unique within your operating system. System files can be replaced, and the threat also needs your system to function normally, therefore, such files are not touched. However, your personal files are not only non-essential but also not replaceable. Obviously, that is not the case if copies exist. If you have copies, remove Pykw Ransomware quickly, and once you are 100% sure that your system is malware-free and protected, you can transfer the copies in place of the encrypted files. And what if you cannot replace the files? There is a tool that can decrypt some files for free, but it does not work for everyone and with all files. In any case, whether or not you get your files back, you must delete the infection, and our Anti-Spyware-101.com research team is here to guide you.
How does Pykw Ransomware work?
Pykw Ransomware was not created by amateurs. We assume that because it looks like this malware is coming from the STOP Ransomware family, the same one that Kasp Ransomware, Boop Ransomware, Geno Ransomware, Usam Ransomware, and other dangerous threats have come from as well. We have analyzed these threats and the ransom notes presented by them, and that is why we know that they are identical and belong to the same attacker(s). Although there is a lot that is predictable with this malware, its distribution is not. Most likely, spam emails containing malicious attachments and bundled downloaders containing malicious executables are used to spread Pykw Ransomware and its clones, but there are plenty of other methods that cybercriminals could employ. Due to this, it is NOT enough to delete spam emails or only download files from legitimate sources. It is also important that you implement a security tool that could cover your back in all other ways too. Obviously, even the best security software will not help if you act carelessly, but it can act as a buffer and minimize the rate of successful attacks.
The moment Pykw Ransomware slithers in, it encrypts files. It also drops a file called “_readme.txt,” and it is responsible for exposing you to the ransom message. Basically, the attackers use this message to instruct you to email them (helpmanager@mail.ch and restoremanager@airmail.cc) and then also pay a huge ransom of $490. That said, you cannot pay the ransom right away. If you want to do it, you have to communicate with the attackers and get additional instructions first. Obviously, we do not recommend doing any of this. Emailing the attackers could expose your inbox to misleading and intimidating messages, and paying the ransom is likely to be a waste of hard-earned money. If you are determined to pay the ransom, at least look into the free STOP Decryptor first. Or check your backups to see if copies of the corrupted files exist. Naturally, you must not check backups via the infected computer.
How to remove Pykw Ransomware
Does deleting Pykw Ransomware sound like a hassle? Well, it is. First of all, you have to identify and delete files that might have completely random names. If you are inexperienced, it might be too difficult for you to clear your system from dangerous threats, but that does not mean that you just have to put up with the threat. What you can do is install an anti-malware tool, and it will automatically remove Pykw Ransomware along with any other threats that you might have overlooked. Note that even if you paid the ransom and, miraculously, your files were decrypted (don’t bet on that happening), you would have to remove the infection. Another great benefit of employing anti-malware software is that it can secure your system against malware attacks in the future, and we have already discussed how important such protection is. If you choose to follow the guide below, you will have to figure out how to secure your system afterward.
Removal Instructions
- Tap Windows and E keys at the same time, and the File Explorer window will appear.
- Type %HOMEDRIVE% into the quick access field and tap Enter.
- First Delete the folder named SystemID and then Delete the file named _readme.txt.
- Type %LOCALAPPDATA% into the quick access field and tap Enter.
- Delete the folder with a random name, such as 0115174b-bd55-4caf-a89a-d8ff8132151f.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then immediately employ a malware scanner to scan for leftovers.
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